Image processing system and image processing apparatus for sending image data

ABSTRACT

An image processing system includes a reception unit configured to receive an input of authentication information from a user, an authentication unit configured to authenticate the user based on the authentication information received by the reception unit, a setting unit configured to set a destination of image data, an operation key configured to set a folder of the user as a destination of the image data, and a transmission unit configured to send the image data to a destination set by the setting unit. The image processing system performs control not to allow a destination setting using the operation key, in the case where a destination to be set by the setting unit is limited to a destination to be set using the operation key and a folder to be set in response to an operation of the operation key is the one to be registered by the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation, and claims the benefit, of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/786,211, presently pending and filed onMar. 5, 2013, and claims the benefit of, and priority to, JapanesePatent Application No. 2012-050692, filed Mar. 7, 2012, whichapplications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image processing system and an imageprocessing apparatus for sending image data.

2. Description of the Related Art

Image processing apparatuses provided with an operation key “send mailto myself” are conventionally known. For example, according to thetechnique discussed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.2006-101484, when a user operates an operation key “send mail tomyself”, an e-mail address of the user operating the image processingapparatus is set as a destination of image data. Thus, the user canreduce the time and effort to input his/her e-mail address in sendingthe image data to his/her mail address.

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-101484, an operationkey “send mail to myself” for setting an e-mail address is discussed. Inaddition to the “send mail to myself” key, an operation key “send fileto myself” can be provided to image processing apparatuses. Sending afile means, for example, sending image data using a protocol such asServer Message Block (SMB) and File Transfer Protocol (FTP).

In the image processing apparatus including such a “send file to myself”operation key, in response to an operation of the “send file to myself”operation key, a folder of the user operating the image processingapparatus is set as the destination of image data. Accordingly, the usercan reduce the time and effort to input folder information indicatingthe folder of the user's own in sending (storing) image data to thefolder of the user's own. The folder to be set according to theoperation of the “send file to myself” can be, for example, a folder setin advance by the user himself/herself.

Meanwhile, a function of limiting the folder that can be used as adestination for file transmission to a folder set in “send file tomyself” is discussed (hereinafter, referred to as my folderrestriction). The function aims to prevent a general user frommistakenly or intentionally sending image data to an improper folder andleaking confidential information. If an administrator sets the my folderrestriction, a general user cannot set a destination for filetransmission in methods other than “send file to myself”.

In the case where a user sets in advance a folder to be set in “sendfile to myself” by himself/herself, however, even if the administratorsets the my folder restriction, the user can send data anywhere bychanging the registered contents. This may cause confidentialinformation leakage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a mechanism, in an image processingsystem provided with an operation key for setting a user's folder as adestination of image data, capable of avoiding sending image data to animproper destination.

One aspect of the present invention provides, an image processing systemincluding a reception unit configured to receive an input ofauthentication information from a user, an authentication unitconfigured to authenticate the user based on the authenticationinformation received by the reception unit, a setting unit configured toset a destination of image data, an operation key configured to set afolder of the user as a destination of the image data, a transmissionunit configured to send the image data to the destination set by thesetting unit, and a control unit configured to, in the case where thedestination to be set by the setting unit is limited to a destination tobe set using the operation key and a folder to be set in response to anoperation of the operation key is the one to be registered by the user,perform control not to allow a destination setting using the operationkey.

Further features and aspects of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description of exemplaryembodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features,and aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serveto explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of an image processing system accordingto an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of amultifunction peripheral (MFP) according to the exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of anauthentication server and a file server according to the exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates information managed by the authentication serveraccording to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an operation screen on the MFP according to theexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates an operation screen on the MFP according to theexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an operation screen on the MFP according to theexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an operation screen on the MFP according to theexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an operation screen on the MFP according to theexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a login operation in the MFPaccording to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed if “send fileto myself” is selected in the MFP according to the exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed if a startkey is operated in the MFP according to the exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed if a settingof my folder restriction=“ON” is instructed in the MFP according to theexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed if a settingof “register for each user” is instructed in the MFP according to theexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates an operation screen on the MFP according to theexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed if aninstruction to display a setting screen for the my folder restriction isissued in the MFP according to the exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed if aninstruction to display a setting screen for setting a folder settingmethod is issued in the MFP according to the exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates an operation screen on the MFP according to theexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates an operation screen on the MFP according to theexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a login operation in the MFPaccording to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed if a settingof my folder restriction=“ON” is selected in the MFP according to theexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed if a settingof host name restriction=“OFF” is selected in the MFP according to theexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates an operation screen on the MFP according to theexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed if aninstruction to display a setting screen for the my folder restriction isissued in the MFP according to the exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed if aninstruction to display a setting screen for setting the host namerestriction is issued in the MFP according to the exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the inventionwill be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

All of combinations of the features described in the exemplaryembodiments are not always essential to the means for solution accordingto the invention.

A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. FIG.1 illustrates an overview of an image processing system. On a local areanetwork (LAN) 100, an MFP 101, an authentication server 102, and a fileserver 103 are connected to each other in a communicable manner. The MFP101 is an example of an image processing apparatus. The authenticationserver 102 is an example of an authentication apparatus. The file server103 is an example of a file management apparatus.

The MFP 101 can send a file of image data to a folder in the file server103 as the destination with SMB or FTP. In addition to the file server103, the MFP 101 can set a folder in a client personal computer (PC)(not illustrated) as the destination. The MFP 101 can also send imagedata by e-mail via a mail server (not illustrated).

The image processing system includes the MFP 101, the authenticationserver 102, and the file server 103. Alternatively, the image processingsystem may include only the MFP 101 and the authentication server 102,or only the MFP 101.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the MFP 101. Acontrol unit 210 including a central processing unit (CPU) 211 entirelycontrols operations in the MFP 101. The CPU 211 reads a control programstored in a read-only memory (ROM) 212, and executes various types ofcontrol processes such as read control and transmission control. Arandom access memory (RAM) 213 serves as a temporary storage area suchas a main memory and a work area of the CPU 211.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, in the MFP 101, one CPU211 executes each process illustrated in flowcharts in FIGS. 10 to 14,FIG. 16, FIG. 17, FIGS. 20 to 22, FIG. 24, and FIG. 25 described belowusing one memory (the RAM 213 or a hard disk drive (HDD) 214). However,other configurations can be employed. For example, a plurality of CPUsand a plurality of RAMs or HDDs can cooperate with each other to performeach process illustrated in the flowcharts in FIGS. 10 to 14, FIG. 16,FIG. 17, FIGS. 20 to 22, FIG. 24, and FIG. 25.

A HDD 214 stores image data and various programs. An operation unitInterface (I/F) 215 connects an operation unit 219 and the control unit210. The operation unit 219 includes a liquid crystal display unithaving a touch panel function, a keyboard, and the like, and serves as areception unit for receiving instructions from a user.

A printer I/F 216 connects a printer 220 and the control unit 210. Imagedata to be printed by the printer 220 is transferred from the controlunit 210 via the printer I/F 216, and printed on a recording medium bythe printer 220.

A scanner I/F 217 connects a scanner 221 and the control unit 210. Thescanner 221 reads an image on an original document, generates image data(an image file), and inputs the image data to the control unit 210 viathe scanner I/F 217. The MFP 101 can send the image data (image file)generated by the scanner 221 as a file or a file attached to an e-mail.

A network I/F 218 connects the control unit 210 (the MFP 101) to a LAN100. The network I/F 218 sends image data and information to an externaldevice (for example, the authentication server 102 and the file server103) on the LAN 100, and receives various types of information from anexternal device on the LAN.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of theauthentication server 102. A control unit 301 including a CPU 311entirely controls operations in the authentication server 102. The CPU311 reads a control program stored in a ROM 312, and executes varioustypes of control processing. A RAM 313 serves as a temporary storagearea such as a main memory and a work area of the CPU 311. A HDD 314stores image data and various programs.

A network I/F 315 connects the control unit 310 (the authenticationserver 102) to the LAN 100. The network I/F 315 sends and receivesvarious types of information to and from another device on the LAN 100.The configuration of the file server 103 is similar to that of theauthentication server 102 (FIG. 3), and consequently, its description isomitted.

FIG. 4 illustrates information managed in the HDD 314 by theauthentication server 102. The authentication server 102 manages adomain including the image processing system illustrated in FIG. 1. Theauthentication server 102 further manages information pieces 401 and 402necessary for authentication of a user and information pieces 403 to 408about the user, for each user. The information 401 is a user name thatuniquely identifies a user. For example, the information 401 is anemployee code in a company in which the MFP 101 is installed.

FIG. 4 illustrates information of a user corresponding to a user name ofA1001. When the user of A1001 starts to use the MFP 101, the user needsto input “A1001” as the user name, and “secret33” as the password. Theauthentication information (the user name and the password) input to theMFP 101 is sent to the authentication server 102.

The authentication server 102 compares the authentication information(the user name and the password) sent from the MFP 101 to theauthentication information managed as the information pieces 401 and402. If the information pieces correspond to each other, theauthentication server 102 notifies the MFP 101 of authentication OK(successful in authentication). If the authentication information piecesdo not correspond to each other, the authentication server 102 notifiesthe MFP 101 of authentication NG (failure in authentication).

The information pieces 403 to 408 are notified to the MFP 101 togetherwith authentication OK if the authentication information piecescorrespond to each other. The information 403 indicates that the name ofthe user A1001 is “Taro Tanaka”. The information 404 indicates that theuser A1001 belongs to a group “users”. The information 405 indicates ane-mail address of the user A1001. The user A1001 can receive anelectronic mail sent to the e-mail address that is managed as theinformation 407 as the destination. The information 406 indicates alocation in which a folder of the user A1001 is placed. The user A1001can access the folder indicated by the information 406, and obtain datastored in the folder.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an operation screen displayed on theoperation unit 219. On the screen illustrated in FIG. 5, a user canoperate any of operation keys 501 to 503 to select a function. FIG. 5illustrates a state the operation key 501 is being selected. FIG. 5 isan example in which “scan and send”, “copy”, and “fax” are displayed asthe functions. However, the MFP 101 may include functions other thanthese functions.

After selecting the operation key 501, the user further operates any ofthe operation keys 511 to 515 to set a destination of image data to besent. If the user operates the operation key 511, the content in theaddress book stored in the HDD 214 is displayed. Then, the user canrefer to the content registered in the address book, and set the contentas the destination of the image data.

If the user operates the operation key 512, a list of one-touch keys isdisplayed. With the one-touch key, one or a plurality of destinationsare associated in advance. If the user operates the one-touch key, thecontent associated with the one-touch key can be set as the destinationof the image data.

If the user operates the operation key 513, a screen for receiving aninput of destination information from the user is displayed. The usercan input the destination information via the displayed screen, and setthe information as the destination of the image data.

The operation key 514 is used when the user wants to set a folder of theuser as the destination of the image data. If the user operates theoperation key 514, the folder of the user's own is automatically set asthe destination of the image data. (This operation is described below indetail.)

The operation key 515 is used when the user wants to set an e-mailaddress of the user′ own as the destination of the image data. If theuser operates the operation key 515, the e-mail address of the user'sown is automatically set as the destination of the image data.

The operation key 521 is used to perform read setting such as acolor/monochrome setting. The operation key 522 is used to set a readingresolution.

The operation key 523 is used to set a file format of the image data tobe sent. The operation key 524 is used to perform setting of aone-sided/two-sided reading. The operation key 525 is used to set areading size.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of operation screens displayed on theoperation unit 219. Only the administrator can operate the screen inFIG. 6. In the case that a general user operates the MFP 101, the screenin FIG. 6 is not displayed. The administrator operates any of operationkeys 601 to 603 to select a folder setting method in a case where theoperation key 514 is operated.

The MFP 101 includes three folder setting methods, namely “home folder”,“register for each user”, and “manage in server”. In the setting method“home folder”, the administrator registers, in the MFP 101 in advance, ahost name and a part of a path of a folder to be commonly used by eachuser, and these information pieces are set as the destination of imagedata.

The administrator registers a host name and a part of a path of a folderto be used when “home folder” is selected as information pieces 610 and620 in FIG. 6. In this setting method, for example, folders ofindividual users can be provided in the same host and/or in the samefolder. Consequently, the administrator can easily manage the folders.

In the setting method “register for each user”, a general user registersa host name and a path of a folder of the user's own in the MFP 101 byassociating with each user in advance, and these information pieces areset as the destination of image data. The registration process isdescribed below in detail with reference to FIG. 8. In this settingmethod, each user can register an arbitrary folder as his/her ownfolder. Consequently, this method makes it easy for the user to use theMFP 101.

In the setting method “manage in server”, information managed as theinformation 408 in FIG. 4 in the authentication server 102 is set as thedestination of the image data. In this setting method, folders of eachof the users are managed in a unified manner by the server.Consequently, when the folder information needs to be updated, the timeand effort for update can be reduced.

Since the MFP 101 includes the three folder setting methods, i.e., “homefolder”, “register for each user” and “manage in server”, the MFP 101can selectively switch the folder setting methods according to theenvironment that the MFP 101 is installed. In the case that theoperation key 602 or 603 is operated, the fields of the informationpieces 610 and 620 may be grayed out so as not to receive an inputthereto.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an operation screen displayed on theoperation unit 219. Only the administrator can operate the screen inFIG. 7. When a general user operates the MFP 101, the screen in FIG. 7is not displayed. The administrator can perform the my folderrestriction setting via the screen in FIG. 7.

If the administrator operates an operation key 701, the my folderrestriction is set to “ON”. If the my folder restriction is set to “ON”,with respect to the file transmission, file transmission to destinationsother than the destination set with use of the operation key 514 isforbidden. In response to the setting of the my folder restriction “ON”,destination restriction on protocols other than the protocol for filetransmission (for example, the protocol for electronic mail), can alsobe set.

In a case where the my folder restriction is set to “ON”, when theoperation key 511 in FIG. 5 is operated, in the destinations registeredin the address book, only destinations corresponding to protocols otherthan the protocol for the file transmission are displayed. Similarly,when the operation key 512 is operated, in the registered one-touchkeys, only one-touch keys corresponding to protocols other than theprotocol for the file transmission are displayed.

Similarly, when the operation key 513 is operated, a destinationcorresponding to a protocol other than the protocol for the filetransmission is only allowed to be input. If the content is the same asthe content of the destination set using the operation key 514, however,the destination can be selected or specified using one of the operationkeys 511 to 513 in the state that the my folder restriction is set to“ON”. If the administrator operates an operation key 702, the my folderrestriction is not set.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of operation screens displayed on theoperation unit 219. The screen in FIG. 8 is displayed when a generaluser operates the MFP 101. Via the screen in FIG. 8, the user registersfolder information of the user (in the example in FIG. 8, the userA1001).

The information 801 indicates a protocol selected by the user. In theMFP 101, any of SMB and FTP can be selected. However, protocols otherthan SMB and FTP may be included in options.

The information pieces 802 and 803 indicate location information (a hostname and a path) of a folder to be the destination of image data. Theinformation pieces 804 and 805 indicate authentication information (auser name and a password) necessary for access to the folder specifiedby the information pieces 802 and 803.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of an operation screen displayed on theoperation unit 219. The screen in FIG. 9 is displayed when a generaluser operates the MFP 101. Via the screen in FIG. 9, the user canregister a destination to the address book. In this example, aregistration of a destination to which image data is sent with SMB thatis an example of the file transmission is described.

The information 901 indicates a protocol selected by the user. In theMFP 101, any of SMB and FTP can be selected. However, protocols otherthan SMB and FTP may be included in options.

The information pieces 902 and 903 indicate location information (a hostname and a path) of a folder to be the destination of image data. Theinformation pieces 904 and 905 indicate authentication information (auser name and a password) necessary for access to the folder specifiedby the information pieces 902 and 903.

The information 906 indicates whether to cause a user to input thepassword of the information 905 for each transmission. If theinformation 906 is set to “ON”, when image data is actually sent, theuser needs to input the password again even if the password isregistered as the information 905.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a login operation (a series ofoperations performed when the user starts to use the MFP 101) performedin the MFP 101. Each operation (step) illustrated in the flowchart inFIG. 10 is realized by the CPU 211 in the MFP 101 by executing a controlprogram stored in the HDD 214.

In step S1001, the CPU 211 receives an input of authenticationinformation (a user name and a password) from a user via the screendisplayed on the operation unit 219 (reception).

In step S1002, the CPU 211 sends the authentication information receivedin step S1001 to the authentication server 102, and asks the user toperform the user authentication (makes an inquiry about whether the useris permitted to use the MFP 101).

In step S1003, the CPU 211 determines whether to authenticate thecontent notified from the authentication server 102. If theauthentication of the content is successful (YES in step S1003), theprocessing proceeds to step S1004. In step S1004, the CPU 211 permitsthe user to use the MFP 101. On the other hand, the authentication ofthe content is failed (NO in step S1003), the processing ends. (Or theprocessing returns to step S1001, and the screen for inputting theauthentication information is displayed again.)

In step S1005, the CPU 211 determines whether the folder setting methodset in advance on the screen in FIG. 6 is “register for each user”. Ifthe folder setting method is “register for each user” (YES in stepS1005), the processing proceeds to step S1006. Whereas if not (NO instep S1005), the processing proceeds to step S1007. In step S1007, theCPU 211 displays the operation key 514 on the screen in FIG. 5.

In step S1006, the CPU 211 determines whether the my folder restrictionset in advance on the screen in FIG. 7 is “ON”. If the my folderrestriction is “ON” (YES in step S1006), the processing proceeds to stepS1008. If the my folder restriction is not “ON” (NO in step S1006), theprocessing proceeds to step S1007. In other words, if the folder settingmethod is “register for each user” and the my folder restriction is“ON”, the CPU 211 skips the processing in step S1007, so that theoperation key 514 is not displayed on the screen in FIG. 5.

As a result, if the folder setting method is “register for each user”and the my folder restriction is “ON”, the file transmission cannot beperformed. Accordingly, the user can be prevented from sending imagedata as a file to an improper destination against the intention of theadministrator who has set the my folder restriction to “ON”.

In step S1008, the CPU 211 obtains an e-mail address which is registeredto the authentication server 102 as the information 405 in FIG. 4 andnotified together with the information of the successful in theauthentication. In step S1009, the CPU 211 displays the operation key515 on the screen in FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations to beperformed when the operation key 514 in FIG. 5 is operated in the MFP101. Each operation (step) illustrated in the flowchart in FIG. 11 isrealized by the CPU 211 in the MFP 101 by executing a control programstored in the HDD 214.

In step S1101, the CPU 211 determines which folder setting method isselected. If the selected folder setting method is “register for eachuser”, the processing proceeds to step S1102. If the selected foldersetting method is “home folder”, the processing proceeds to step S1104.If the selected folder setting method is “manage in server”, theprocessing proceeds to step S1106.

In step S1102, the information 802 in FIG. 8 is set as a value of avariable HOST. In step S1103, the information 803 in FIG. 8 is set as avalue of a variable FOLDER.

In step S1104, the information 610 in FIG. 6 is set as a value of thevariable HOST. In step S1105, a value obtained by combining theinformation 620 in FIG. 6 and the user name input by the user via thescreen displayed in step S1001 in FIG. 10 is set as a value of thevariable FOLDER. In the case of the examples illustrated in FIGS. 4 and6, the value set in step S1105 is “/home/A10012”.

In step S1106, a part of the information 406 in FIG. 4 is set as a valueof the variable HOST. In step S1107, a remaining part of the information408 in FIG. 4 is set as a value of the variable FOLDER. In the case ofthe example illustrated in FIG. 4, the value set in step S1106 is“server.abc.co.jp”, and the value set in step S1107 is “/user/tanaka”.

In step S1108, the CPU 211 set a protocol to be used for the filetransmission of the image data. For the protocol to be used for filetransmission, in a case where the destination in the address book isreferred, the protocol selected in the information 901 in FIG. 9 isemployed, and in a case where the destination is set by operating theoperation key 514, SMB is automatically set.

The SMB is automatically set because in the protocols to be used for thefile transmission, SMB is most frequently used. Alternatively, anotherprotocol, for example, FTP may be automatically set. If the foldersetting method is “register for each user”, the protocol set as theinformation 801 may be preferentially set

In step S1109, the value of the variable HOST set in steps S1102, S1104,or S1106 is set as a host name for specifying a folder to be thedestination of the image data.

In step S1110, the value of the variable FOLDER set in steps S1103,S1105, or S1107 is set as a path for specifying the folder to be thedestination of the image data.

In step S1111, the information of the user name input by the user viathe screen displayed in step S1001 in FIG. 10 is set as a user name foraccessing the folder to be the destination of the image data.

In step S1112, the information of the password input by the user via thescreen displayed in step S1001 in FIG. 10 is set as a password foraccessing the folder to be the destination of the image data.

As described above, the authentication information input by the user viathe screen displayed in step S1001 in FIG. 10 is taken over (diverted)as the authentication information for accessing the folder to be thedestination of the image data. According to the processing illustratedin FIG. 10, the authentication information for accessing the folder tobe the destination of the image data is not necessary to be registeredin the MFP 101 in advance, and the time and effort in the destinationsetting for file transmission can be reduced.

In step S1113, the CPU 211 sets the information indicating whether theuser inputs the password for each transmission (the informationdescribed as the information 906 in FIG. 9) to “OFF”.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations to beperformed when a start key (not illustrated) is operated in the MFP 101after the destination setting via the screen in FIG. 5 is performed.Each operation (step) illustrated in the flowchart in FIG. 12 isrealized by the CPU 211 in the MFP 101 by executing a control programstored in the HDD 214.

In step S1201, the CPU 211 selects the set destination (if a pluralityof destinations is set, one of the destinations), and determines whetherthe selected destination is the destination to which the image data issent as a file. If the CPU 211 determines that the selected destinationis the destination to which the image data is sent as a file (YES instep S1201), the processing proceeds to step S1202. Whereas, if not (NOin step S1201), the processing proceeds to step S1204. In this case, thedestination which is not determined as the destination to which theimage data is sent as a file is a destination to which the image data isto be sent as an attachment of an electronic mail. However, thedestination which is not determined as the destination to which theimage data is sent as a file may be a destination to which the imagedata is sent with a protocol other than the electronic mail.

In step S1202, the CPU 211 determines whether the information which isset to the selected destination and indicates that the user inputs thepassword for each transmission (the information described as theinformation 906 in FIG. 9) is “ON”. As a result of the determination, ifthe setting that the user inputs the password for each transmission isON (YES in step S1202), the processing proceeds to step S1203. If not(NO in step S1202), the processing in step S1203 is skipped, and theprocessing proceeds to step S1204. With respect to the destination setwith the operation key 514 in FIG. 5, the information indicating whetherthe user inputs the password for each transmission is set to OFF asdescribed in step S1113 in FIG. 11, so that the determination result instep S1202 is to be NO.

In step S1203, the CPU 211 displays a screen for receiving an input ofthe password from the user, and receives an input of the password fromthe user.

In step S1204, the CPU 211 determines whether another destination isset. If another destination is set (YES in step S1204), the processingproceeds to step S1201. If another destination is not set (NO in stepS1204), the processing proceeds to step S1205.

In step S1205, the image data is sent by the protocol corresponding tothe set destination. If the destination is set with the operation key514 in FIG. 5, the CPU 211 connects to the file server 103 correspondingto the host name set in step S1109 in FIG. 11 by SMB.

Using the path set in step S1110, the CPU 211 specifies the folder towhich the image data is stored. Further, the CPU 211 logs in the fileserver 103 (access the folder) with the authentication informationpieces set in steps S1111 and S1112 in FIG. 11, and sends the image datato the file server 103 (stores the image data in the folder).

If the destination is set with reference to the address book and is incompliant with the format for the file transmission, the CPU 211connects to the file server 103 corresponding to the information 902 inFIG. 9, and specifies the folder to which the image data is stored withthe information 903 in FIG. 9.

Further, the CPU 211 logs in to the file server 103 (accesses thefolder) with the information pieces 904 and 905 in FIG. 9 (or thepassword input in step S1203 in FIG. 12), and sends the image data tothe file server 103 (stores the image data in the folder). If thedestination is set with the operation key 515 in FIG. 5, the CPU 211logs in (SMTP authentication) to the mail server, and sends theelectronic mail with the image data attached.

As described above, according to the first exemplary embodiment, if thefolder setting method is “register for each user” and the my folderrestriction is set to “ON”, the operation key 514 is not displayed.Accordingly, the user can be prevented from sending image data as a fileto an improper destination against the intention of the administratorwho has set the my folder restriction to “ON”.

A second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described.According to the second exemplary embodiment, if the folder settingmethod is “register for each user”, setting the my folder restriction to“ON” is restricted. Descriptions of configurations similar to those inthe above-described first exemplary embodiment are omitted.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations to beperformed when the operation key 701 in FIG. 7 is operated in the MFP101. Each operation (step) illustrated in the flowchart in FIG. 13 isrealized by the CPU 211 in the MFP 101 by executing a control programstored in the HDD 214.

In step S1301, the CPU 211 receives an instruction to set the my folderrestriction to “ON” (an operation of the operation key 701) from theuser in a state that the my folder restriction has been set to “OFF”.

In step S1302, the CPU 211 determines whether the folder setting methodset in advance on the screen in FIG. 6 is “register for each user”. Ifthe folder setting method is “register for each user” (YES in stepS1302), the processing proceeds to step S1304. If not (NO in stepS1302), the processing proceeds to step S1303. In step S1303, the CPU211 sets the my folder restriction to “ON”. Whereas in step S1304, theCPU 211 displays an error message screen illustrated in FIG. 15.

According to the processing illustrated in FIG. 13, the user isprevented from setting the folder setting method to “register for eachuser” and setting the my folder restriction to “ON” at the same time. Asa result, file transmission of image data to an improper destinationagainst the intention of the administrator can be prevented.

In step S1304, the processing for forbidding to set the my folderrestriction to “ON” may be performed, or if an instruction is furtherissued from the administrator while the error message screen has beendisplayed, the my folder restriction may be set to “ON”.

A third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described.According to the third exemplary embodiment, if the my folderrestriction is “ON”, the setting of the folder setting method to“register for each user” is restricted. Detailed descriptions ofconfigurations similar to those in the above-described first exemplaryembodiment are omitted.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations to beperformed when the operation key 602 in FIG. 6 is operated in the MFP101. Each operation (step) illustrated in the flowchart in FIG. 14 isrealized by the CPU 211 in the MFP 101 by executing a control programstored in the HDD 214.

In step S1401, the CPU 211 receives an instruction to set the foldersetting method to “register for each user” (an operation of theoperation key 602) from the user in a state that the folder settingmethod has been set to a method other than “register for each user”.

In step S1402, the CPU 211 determines whether the my folder restrictionset in advance on the screen in FIG. 7 is “ON”. If the my folderrestriction is “ON” (YES in step S1402), the processing proceeds to stepS1404. If the my folder restriction is not “ON” (NO in step S1402), theprocessing proceeds to step S1403. In step S1403, the CPU 211 sets thefolder setting method to “register for each user”. Whereas in stepS1404, the CPU 211 displays the error message screen illustrated in FIG.15.

According to the processing illustrated in FIG. 14, the user isprevented from setting the folder setting method to “register for eachuser” and setting the my folder restriction to “ON” at the same time. Asa result, file transmission of image data to an improper destinationagainst the intention of the administrator can be prevented.

In step S1404, the processing for forbidding to set the folder settingmethod to “register for each user” may be performed, or if aninstruction is further issued from the administrator while the errormessage screen has been displayed, the folder setting method may be setto “register for each user”.

A fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described.According to the forth exemplary embodiment, if the folder settingmethod is “register for each user”, a screen is displayed in a statethat the my folder restriction cannot be set to “ON”. Descriptions ofconfigurations similar to those in the above-described first exemplaryembodiment are omitted.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations to beperformed when an instruction to display the screen in FIG. 7 is issuedin the MFP 101. Each operation (step) illustrated in the flowchart inFIG. 16 is realized by the CPU 211 in the MFP 101 by executing a controlprogram stored in the HDD 214.

In step S1601, the CPU 211 receives an instruction to display the screenin FIG. 7 from the user. In step S1602, the CPU 211 determines whetherthe folder setting method set in advance on the screen in FIG. 6 is“register for each user”. If the folder setting method is “register foreach user” (YES in step S1602), the processing proceeds to step S1604.If the folder setting method is not “register for each user” (NO in stepS1602), the processing proceeds to step S1603.

In step S1603, the CPU 211 displays the screen in FIG. 7 in a state thatthe user can set the my folder restriction to “ON”.

Whereas in step S1604, the CPU 211 displays the screen in FIG. 7 in astate that the user cannot set the my folder restriction to “ON”. Morespecifically, the display of the operation key 701 may be hidden, or theoperation key 701 may be grayed out. Alternatively, in this processing,a message indicating that the my folder restriction cannot be set to“ON” because the folder setting method has been set to “register foreach user” may be displayed.

According to the processing illustrated in FIG. 16, the user isprevented from setting the folder setting method to “register for eachuser” and setting the my folder restriction to “ON” at the same time. Asa result, file transmission of image data to an improper destinationagainst the intention of the administrator can be prevented.

A fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described.According to the fifth exemplary embodiment, if the my folderrestriction has been set to “ON”, a screen is displayed in a state thatthe user cannot set the folder setting method to “register for eachuser”. Descriptions of configurations similar to those in theabove-described first exemplary embodiment are omitted.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations to beperformed when an instruction to display the screen in FIG. 6 is issuedin the MFP 101. Each operation (step) illustrated in the flowchart inFIG. 17 is realized by the CPU 211 in the MFP 101 by executing a controlprogram stored in the HDD 214.

In step S1701, the CPU 211 receives an instruction to display the screenin FIG. 6 from the user. In step S1702, the CPU 211 determines whetherthe my folder restriction set in advance on the screen in FIG. 7 is“ON”. If the my folder restriction is “ON” (YES in step S1702), theprocessing proceeds to step S1704. If the my folder restriction is not“ON” (NO in step S1702), the processing proceeds to step S1703.

In step S1703, the CPU 211 displays the screen in FIG. 6 in a state thatthe user can set the folder setting method to “register for each user”.

Whereas in step S1704, the CPU 211 displays the screen in FIG. 6 in astate that the user cannot set the folder setting method to “registerfor each user”. More specifically, the display of the operation key 602may be hidden, or the operation key 602 may be grayed out.Alternatively, in this processing, a message indicating that the foldersetting method cannot be set to “register for each user” because the myfolder restriction has been set to “ON” may be displayed.

According to the processing illustrated in FIG. 17, the user isprevented from setting the folder setting method to “register for eachuser” and setting the my folder restriction to “ON” at the same time. Asa result, file transmission of image data to an improper destinationagainst the intention of the administrator can be prevented.

A sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described.According to the sixth exemplary embodiment, if the my folderrestriction is “ON”, the folder setting method is “register for eachuser”, and a host name restriction is “OFF”, the operation key 514 isnot displayed. Detailed descriptions of configurations similar to thosein the above-described first exemplary embodiment are omitted.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of an operation screen displayed on theoperation unit 219. The screen in FIG. 18 corresponds to the screen inFIG. 6. Similarly to the screen in FIG. 6, this screen can be operatedonly by the administrator, and when a general user operates the MFP 101,this screen is not displayed. The operation keys 601 to 603 and theinformation pieces 610 and 620 are similar to those described in thefirst exemplary embodiment.

In a case where the administrator operates the operation key 602 andselects “register for each user”, the administrator can further set thehost name restriction to “ON” or “OFF”. The host name restriction is afunction used in setting the folder information in the “register foreach user” mode to restrict the use of the host name of the folder suchthat host names other than those registered by the administrator cannotbe used. If the administrator sets the host name restriction to “ON”,the administrator registers a protocol and host name for the filetransmission as the information pieces 1802 and 1803.

A screen illustrated in FIG. 19 corresponds to the screen in FIG. 8.Similarly to the screen in FIG. 8, the screen is displayed when ageneral user operates the MFP 101. The information pieces 801 to 805 aresimilar to those described in the first exemplary embodiment. In thecase that the host name restriction is “ON”, the screen is displayed ina state that the contents of the information pieces 1802 and 1803 areset in advance, and the user is not allowed to change the contents, asillustrated in FIG. 19. Accordingly, even if the folder setting methodis set to “register for each user”, the destination for the filetransmission can be limited to a specific host. As a result, thesecurity level can be increased.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a login operation performed in theMFP 101 (a series of operations performed when the user starts to usethe MFP 101). The flowchart in FIG. 20 corresponds to that in FIG. 10.Each operation (step) illustrated in the flowchart in FIG. 20 isrealized by the CPU 211 in the MFP 101 by executing a control programstored in the HDD 214. Processing in steps S1001 to S1004 and stepsS1007 to S1009 are similar to those described in the first exemplaryembodiment.

In step S2001, the CPU 211 determines whether the folder setting methodset in advance on the screen in FIG. 18 is “register for each user”. Ifthe folder setting method is “register for each user” (YES in stepS2001), the processing proceeds to step S2002. If the folder settingmethod is not “register for each user” (NO in step S2001), theprocessing proceeds to step S1007. In step S1007, the CPU 211 displaysthe operation key 514 on the screen in FIG. 5.

In step S2002, the CPU 211 determines whether the my folder restrictionset in advance on the screen in FIG. 7 is “ON”. If the my folderrestriction is “ON” (YES in step S2002), the processing proceeds to stepS2003. If the my folder restriction is not “ON” (NO in step S2002), theprocessing proceeds to step S1007.

In step S2003, the CPU 211 determines whether the host name restrictionset in advance on the screen in FIG. 18 is “ON”. If the host namerestriction is “ON” (YES in step S2003), the processing proceeds to stepS1007. If the host name restriction is not “ON” (NO in step S2003), theprocessing proceeds to step S1008.

In other words, even if the folder setting method is set to “registerfor each user” and the my folder restriction is set to “ON”, in a casewhere the host name restriction is set to “ON” (not “OFF”), then in stepS1007, the operation key 514 is displayed. Thus, according to theprocessing illustrated in FIG. 20, the possibility of the filetransmission of the image data to an improper destination against theintention of the administrator can be reduced by the host namerestriction. Consequently, the security can be ensured and convenienceof users can also be achieved.

A seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described.According to the seventh exemplary embodiment, if the folder settingmethod is “register for each user”, and the host name restriction is“OFF”, the setting of the my folder restriction to “ON” is restricted.Detailed descriptions of configurations similar to those in theabove-described first exemplary embodiment are omitted.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations to beperformed when the operation key 701 in FIG. 7 is operated in the MFP101. Each operation (step) illustrated in the flowchart in FIG. 21 isrealized by the CPU 211 in the MFP 101 by executing a control programstored in the HDD 214.

In step S2101, the CPU 211 receives an instruction to set the my folderrestriction to “ON” (an operation of the operation key 701) from theuser in a state that the my folder restriction has been set to “OFF”.

In step S2102, the CPU 211 determines whether the folder setting methodset in advance on the screen in FIG. 18 is “register for each user”. Ifthe folder setting method is “register for each user” (YES in stepS2102), the processing proceeds to step S2105. If the folder settingmethod is not “register for each user” (NO in step S2102), theprocessing proceeds to step S2103. In step S2103, the CPU 211 sets themy folder restriction to “ON”.

In step S2105, the CPU 211 determines whether the host name restrictionset in advance on the screen in FIG. 18 is “ON”. If the host namerestriction is “ON” (YES in step S2105), the processing proceeds to stepS2103. If the host name restriction is not “ON” (NO in step S2105), theprocessing proceeds to step S2104. In step S2104, the CPU 211 displaysan error message screen illustrated in FIG. 23.

As described above, according to the seventh exemplary embodiment, evenif the folder setting method is “register for each user”, in the casewhere the host name restriction is “ON”, the user is allowed to set themy folder restriction to “ON”. Thus, according to the processingillustrated in FIG. 21, the possibility of the file transmission of theimage data to an improper destination against the intention of theadministrator can be reduced by the host name restriction. Consequently,the security can be ensured and convenience of users can also beachieved.

In step S2104, the processing for forbidding to set the my folderrestriction to “ON” may be performed, or if an instruction is furtherissued from the administrator while the error message screen has beendisplayed, the my folder restriction may be set to “ON”.

An eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described.According to the eighth exemplary embodiment, if the my folderrestriction is “ON”, the setting of the host name restriction to “OFF”is restricted. Detailed descriptions of configurations similar to thosein the above-described first exemplary embodiment are omitted.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations to beperformed when an instruction to set the information 1801 in FIG. 18 to“OFF” is issued in the MFP 101. Each operation (step) illustrated in theflowchart in FIG. 22 is realized by the CPU 211 in the MFP 101 byexecuting a control program stored in the HDD 214.

In step S2201, in a state that the host name restriction has been set to“ON”, the CPU 211 receives an instruction to set the host namerestriction to “OFF” from the user.

In step S2202, the CPU 211 determines whether the my folder restrictionset in advance on the screen in FIG. 7 is “ON”. If the my folderrestriction is “ON” (YES in step S2202), the processing proceeds to stepS2204. If the my folder restriction is not “ON” (NO in step S2202), theprocessing proceeds to step S2203.

In step S2203, the CPU 211 sets the host name restriction to “OFF”.Whereas in step S2204, the CPU 211 displays the error message screenillustrated in FIG. 23.

According to the processing illustrated in FIG. 22, the user isprevented from setting the host name restriction to “OFF” and settingthe my folder restriction to “ON” at the same time. As a result, filetransmission of image data to an improper destination against theintention of the administrator can be prevented.

In step S2204, the processing for forbidding to set the host namerestriction to “OFF” may be performed, or if an instruction is furtherissued from the administrator while the error message screen has beendisplayed, the host name restriction may be set to “OFF”.

A ninth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described.According to the ninth exemplary embodiment, if the folder settingmethod is “register for each user” and the host name restriction is“OFF”, a screen is displayed in a state that the user cannot set the myfolder restriction to “ON”. Detailed descriptions of configurationssimilar to those in the above-described first exemplary embodiment areomitted.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations to beperformed when an instruction to display the screen in FIG. 7 is issuedin the MFP 101. Each operation (step) illustrated in the flowchart inFIG. 24 is realized by the CPU 211 in the MFP 101 by executing a controlprogram stored in the HDD 214.

In step S2401, the CPU 211 receives an instruction to display the screenin FIG. 7 from the user. In step S2402, the CPU 211 determines whetherthe folder setting method set in advance on the screen in FIG. 18 is“register for each user”. If the folder setting method is “register foreach user” (YES in step S2402), the processing proceeds to step S2405.If the folder setting method is not “register for each user” (NO in stepS2402), the processing proceeds to step S2403.

In step S2403, the CPU 211 displays the screen in FIG. 7 in a state thatthe user can set the my folder restriction to “ON”.

In step S2405, the CPU 211 determines whether the host name restrictionset in advance on the screen in FIG. 18 is “ON”. If the host namerestriction is “ON” (YES in step S2405), the processing proceeds to stepS2403. If the host name restriction is not “ON” (NO in step S2405), theprocessing proceeds to step S2404.

In step S2404, the CPU 211 displays the screen in FIG. 7 in a state thatthe user cannot set the my folder restriction to “ON”. Morespecifically, the display of the operation key 701 may be hidden, or theoperation key 701 may be grayed out. Alternatively, in this processing,a message indicating that the my folder restriction cannot be set to“ON” because the folder setting method has been set to “register foreach user” and the host name restriction has not set to “ON” can bedisplayed.

As described above, according to the ninth exemplary embodiment, even ifthe folder setting method is “register for each user”, in the case wherethe host name restriction is “ON”, the user is allowed to set the myfolder restriction to “ON”. Thus, according to the processingillustrated in FIG. 24, the possibility of the file transmission of theimage data to an improper destination against the intention of theadministrator can be reduced by the host name restriction. Consequently,the security can be ensured and convenience of users can also beachieved.

A tenth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described.According to the tenth exemplary embodiment, in a case where the myfolder restriction has been set to “ON”, a screen is displayed in astate that the user cannot set the host name restriction to “OFF”.Detailed descriptions of configurations similar to those in theabove-described first exemplary embodiment are omitted.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a series of operations to beperformed when an instruction to display the screen in FIG. 18 is issuedin the MFP 101. Each operation (step) illustrated in the flowchart inFIG. 25 is realized by the CPU 211 in the MFP 101 by executing a controlprogram stored in the HDD 214.

In step S2501, the CPU 211 receives an instruction to display the screenin FIG. 18 from the user. In step S2502, the CPU 211 determines whetherthe my folder restriction set in advance on the screen in FIG. 7 is“ON”. If the my folder restriction is “ON” (YES in step S2502), theprocessing proceeds to step S2504. If the my folder restriction is not“ON” (NO in step S2502), the processing proceeds to step S2503.

In step S2503, the CPU 211 displays the screen in FIG. 18 in a statethat the user can set the host name restriction to “OFF”.

Whereas in step S2504, the CPU 211 displays the screen in FIG. 18 in astate that the user cannot set the host name restriction to “OFF”. Morespecifically, the display of the entry field for the information 1801may be hidden, or the entry field for the information 1801 may be grayedout. Alternatively, in this processing, a message indicating that thehost name restriction cannot be set to “OFF” because the my folderrestriction has been set to “ON” may be displayed.

According to the processing illustrated in FIG. 25, the user isprevented from setting the host name restriction to “OFF” and settingthe my folder restriction to “ON” at the same time. As a result, filetransmission of image data to an improper destination against theintention of the administrator can be prevented.

According to the above-described exemplary embodiments, On and OFF ofthe my folder restriction is switched via the operation screen in FIG.7. Alternatively, other mechanisms can be employed. For example, the useof the operation keys 511 to 513 can be restricted using a mechanism formanaging the authority of each user, and accordingly the my folderrestriction can be realized.

As described above, the MFP 101 receives an input of authenticationinformation from a user (step S1001). The authentication serverauthenticates the user based on the authentication information receivedby the MFP 101 (step S1002). The MFP 101 sets a destination of imagedata (FIG. 5). The MFP 101 is provided with an operation key for settinga folder of the user as the destination of the image data (operation key514).

The MFP 101 sends the image data to the set destination (step S1205). Ina case where the destination to be set is limited to the destination setwith the operation key 514 (my folder restriction=“ON”) and the folderto be set in response to the operation of the operation key 514 isregistered by the user (folder setting method=“register for each user”),the MFP 101 prevents the setting of the destination with the operationkey 514 (YES in step S1006).

Further, in a case where the destination to be set is limited to thedestination set with the operation key 514 (my folder restriction=“ON”),the MFP 101 restricts the setting of the folder to be set in response tothe operation of the operation key 514 to the one to be registered bythe user (folder setting method=“register for each user”) (steps S1404and S1704).

Further, in a case where the folder to be set in response to theoperation of the operation key 514 is the one to be registered by theuser (folder setting method=“register for each user”), the MFP 101restricts the setting of the destination to be set to be limited to thedestination set with the operation key 514 (my folder restriction=“ON”)(steps S1304 and S1604).

Accordingly, in the image processing system including the operation keyfor setting a folder of a user, transmission of image data to animproper destination can be prevented.

Embodiments of the present invention can also be realized by a computerof a system or an apparatus that reads out and executes computerexecutable instructions recorded on a storage medium (e.g.,non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiments of thepresent invention, and by a method performed by the computer of thesystem or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing thecomputer executable instructions from the storage medium to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiments. Thecomputer may comprise one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), amicro processing unit (MPU), or other circuitry, and may include anetwork of separate computers or separate computer processors. Thecomputer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, forexample, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium mayinclude, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory(RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computingsystems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatiledisc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, a memorycard, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all modifications, equivalent structures, and functions.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image processing system, comprising: anauthentication unit configured to authenticate a user; an operation keyconfigured to set, as a transmission destination of data, a folderregistered by the user authenticated by the authentication unit; atransmission unit configured to transmit data to the folder set inaccordance with selection of the operation key; and a restricting unitconfigured to restrict use of the operation key in accordance with auser instruction.
 2. The image processing system according to claim 1,further comprising a display unit configured to display the operationkey, wherein the display unit does not display the operation key basedon restriction by the restricting unit.
 3. The image processing systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising another operation keyconfigured to set, as a transmission destination of data, an emailaddress of the user authenticated by the authentication unit.
 4. Theimage processing system according to claim 3, further comprising adisplay unit configured to display the another operation key, whereinthe display unit displays the another operation key regardless ofrestriction by the restricting unit.
 5. The image processing systemaccording to claim 4, wherein the display unit displays the operationkey and the another operation key in one screen.
 6. The image processingsystem according to claim 1, further comprising a display unitconfigured to display, based on restriction by the restricting unit, adestination corresponding to a protocol which is different from aprotocol for transmitting data to a folder, from among a plurality ofdestinations registered in an address book.
 7. An image processingsystem, comprising: a first operation key configured to set, as atransmission destination of data, a home folder used commonly by aplurality of users; a second operation key configured to set, as atransmission destination of data, a user folder used by one user; afirst transmission unit configured to transmit data to the home folderset in accordance with selection of the first operation key; a secondtransmission unit configured to transmit data to the user folder set inaccordance with selection of the second operation key; and a restrictingunit configured to restrict use of the second operation key inaccordance with a user instruction.
 8. The image processing systemaccording to claim 7, further comprising a display unit configured todisplay the first operation key and the second operation key, whereinthe display unit does not display the second operation key based onrestriction by the restricting unit.
 9. The image processing systemaccording to claim 7, further comprising: (i) an authentication unitconfigured to authenticate a user; and (ii) another operation keyconfigured to set, as a transmission destination of data, an emailaddress of the user authenticated by the authentication unit.
 10. Theimage processing system according to claim 9, further comprising adisplay unit configured to display the another operation key, whereinthe display unit displays the another operation key regardless ofrestriction by the restricting unit.
 11. The image processing systemaccording to claim 7, further comprising a display unit configured todisplay, based on restriction by the restricting unit, a destinationcorresponding to a protocol which is different from a protocol fortransmitting data to a folder, from among a plurality of destinationsregistered in an address book.
 12. A control method for controlling animage processing system which has an authentication unit configured toauthenticate a user, and an operation key configured to set, as atransmission destination of data, a folder registered by the userauthenticated by the authentication unit, the control method comprising:transmitting data to the folder set in accordance with selection of theoperation key; and restricting use of the operation key in accordancewith a user instruction.
 13. A non-transitory computer readable storagemedium for storing a computer program for controlling an imageprocessing system which has an authentication unit configured toauthenticate a user, and an operation key configured to set, as atransmission destination of data, a folder registered by the userauthenticated by the authentication unit, and for causing the imageprocessing system to perform a method, the method comprising:transmitting data to the folder set in accordance with selection of theoperation key; and restricting use of the operation key in accordancewith a user instruction.